GM hybrid cars late 60s, early 70s, EPA not supportive?
 

This may be old news to some here, but I just discovered this, and would like to share with those that aren't aware. GM actually had been playing with hybrid theories enough to actually build a modern (for its day) prototype over 40 years ago! Now timing likely wasn't good as gas was cheap back then and probably not enough consumer demand for something like this. But its interesting nonetheless. Here is a previous EM thread that does give mention to it here:

http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...uilt-5926.html

Here is somewhat expanded info:

Priustoric: GM Builds a Plug-In Hybrid ... in 1969 | Autopia | Wired.com

Now this project really is an eye opener, Victor Wouk's '74 Buick hybrid. Was our own government really (EPA head Eric Stork) to blame for the lack of opportunity of a hybrid like this to succeed 25 years before the Japanese automakers brought hybrid cars to the North American market??

Victor Wouk and The Great Hybrid Car Cover-up of 1974 - HybridCars.com

After reading about Dr Wouk's treatment by the EPA and its head, Eric Stork, I was disheartened. Maybe there is more to the story?

Mods, feel free to move this thread to the lounge if needed? I didn't realize until after I submitted. Apologies.

The Mother Earth News published stories, maybe even plans, for home-made hybrids in the '70s.

EPA can be often pointed as one of the most anti-American gov't agencies, quoted to support the Japs more than the domestic automakers, but the technical aspect can be also blamed for the lack of interest in hybrid/electric drive. In bigger and heavier vehicles such as buses, it was easier to overcome weight and spaces issues than in a regular automobile, and the integration of the electronic systems is now easier than it was back there in the 70's. Sure, the lower fuel prices before the oil embargoes weren't so favorable to the hybrids in that times too...